Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow takes the classic snack mix to a whole new level with warm caramel, white chocolate, and cozy apple pie spices. This sweet and crunchy treat is perfect for autumn gatherings, game nights, or a comforting snack anytime you want a taste of fall.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and caramel bits together, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture.
- Step 4: Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the apple pie spice, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Step 6: Sprinkle this sugar-spice mix over the coated cereal and toss gently until well covered.
- Step 7: Fold in the crushed dried apple chips, distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Step 8: Spread the mixture on parchment paper and let it cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping caramel bits for soft caramel squares chopped into small pieces if you prefer a chewier texture.
- For a nutty twist, add toasted pecans or walnuts when folding in the dried apple chips.
- If you like a stronger apple flavor, sprinkle in a little cinnamon along with the apple pie spice.
Storage
Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep it away from heat sources to prevent the caramel from becoming sticky. To refresh the crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can use soft caramel squares chopped into small pieces. Microwave them gently to melt along with the white chocolate. Just be careful not to burn the mixture.
How do I crush dried apple chips?
Place the dried apple chips in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently crush them into smaller pieces. Avoid pulverizing into powder to maintain some texture.
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Caramel Apple Puppy Chow – Sweet, Crunchy & Irresistible Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 cups (serves 8-10) 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic muddy buddies snack, combining the cozy flavors of caramel, apple pie spice, and crushed dried apple chips with crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate and caramel mixture. This sweet, crunchy treat is perfect for autumn gatherings, parties, game nights, or simply as a comforting snack any time you want to enjoy fall flavors in a bowl.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dried apple chips, crushed
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cereal base: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, making sure it is clean and dry for even coating.
- Melt the chocolate and caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt into the melted mixture to enhance the overall flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Coat the cereal: Pour the melted chocolate and caramel mixture over the cereal. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to evenly coat every piece, being careful not to break the cereal.
- Mix the spice and sugar blend: In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon apple pie spice, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly.
- Add the spice-sugar mixture: Sprinkle the apple pie spice-sugar blend over the coated cereal. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all cereal pieces are evenly covered with this flavorful mixture.
- Incorporate dried apple chips: Fold in 1/2 cup crushed dried apple chips to add a crunchy, fruity texture and deepen the autumn flavor profile.
- Cool and set: Spread the coated cereal mixture in a single layer over parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until the coating firms up and the puppy chow is crisp.
Notes
- For best results, crush the dried apple chips finely so they mix evenly without overwhelming the texture.
- Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- You can substitute white chocolate chips with almond bark for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Mix gently when coating to avoid breaking the cereal pieces and keep the snack light and crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Puppy Chow, Muddy Buddies, Autumn Snack, White Chocolate, Caramel, Apple Pie Spice, Chex Mix, Fall Treat, Sweet Snack
